A former Military Governor of Oyo and Ogun states, Major General Oladayo Popoola (retd.), on Tuesday, urged Inner Wheel Club of Bodija to focus more on rural development and purposeful parenting.
Popoola made the appeal while speaking as chairman of the occasion during the Club’s inauguration ceremony of new Excos at Alumni Hall, Edith Okowa, UI, Ibadan.
The retired general, while commending members of Inner Club of Bodija for their continued efforts toward community building, charged them not to relent, saying there are much more to do.
He said, “Though I understand that funding of most of these projects come from levies and charges among members of the club and other means but I want to appeal to you to pay special attention to rural development and parenting.
“I mean development in terms of water and electricity provision. The two are key major factors in the development of any community. And their unavailability in the rural areas has negatively affected the agricultural system in urban areas.
“Then the issue of parenting, It must be addressed through holistic engagements with mothers in other to address the issue of insecurity. It’s when our children are properly raised that we can enjoy a peaceful and crime-free society.
“The robbers, the kidnappers are from the homes. It’s the high for women to open up a conversation with our grandparents how they did it in those days.”
In her acceptance speech, the new President of Inner Wheel Club of Bodija, IWM Dr Wumi Abiola Okanlawon, expressed her sincere gratitude to the Club for the opportunity to serve the people.
In her words, “There is still much work to be done, so many persons and communities in need of our support. But I know that with the passion and commitment of our members, and the unrelenting support of well meaning Nigerians, we are more than capable of rising to the challenge
“My vision as new President is to build on the strong foundation that past Presidents have laid before me. I want to deepen our partnership with local organizations around the state, ensuring that our aid is targeted and impactful.”
Also, in the course of the inauguration ceremony, some outstanding personalities were duly recognised and honored for their immense contributions to the society through their various fields. The list of the eminent awardees included Barr Ayodele Adekanmbi, the Executive Assistant to the Oyo State Governor on Disability Matters; a seasoned politician, Dr Saka Bologun; Chief (Mrs) Bola Doherty, a prominent educationist; Prof. Olusola Oyinlade Akande, a professor of small business management and Entrepreneurship; Dr Oyetunde Isaiah Oyegbile, a renowned medical practitioner; Mr. Olajide Abiola, a serial entrepreneur, and Engr. Abiodun Ajisafe, the brilliant brain behind Total Secure Nigeria Limited and several other companies.
Some of the top celebrities who graced the colourful ceremony include Archbishop Prince Ayo Ladigbolu, the father of the day; Dr. Bridget Awosika, the guest speaker, and Senator Yunus Akintunde of Oyo Central Senatorial District as the Chief special guest of honor.
The list also include Hon. Toyin Balogun, the Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion; General Oladayo Popoola (rtd); the representative of the chief project launcher, Mogaji Joseph Tegbe, among others.
Meanwhile, the mother of the day of the occasion, Princess Folashade Abeo Nurudeen couldn’t make as she was in UK for her son’s graduation. She, however, donated handsomely towards the positive course of Inner Wheel Club of Bodija, District 913-Nigeria.
